From 23 December 2021, individuals aged six years or older are under a general obligation to provide COVID proof when entering Germany. Upon entry into the Federal Republic of Germany, individuals aged six years or older need to be in possession of proof of testing, proof of recovery or proof of vaccination. As a general rule, COVID tests (antigen tests or PCR tests) must not be older than 48hrs at the time of (planned) entry into Germany. When using a carrier (e.g. an airline) PCR tests must not be older than 48hrs at the time of (planned) departure; antigen tests must not be older than 48hrs at the time of (planned) entry into Germany even when using a carrier. 

The obligation to provide COVID proof also applies to airline passengers only transiting at an airport in Germany. This applies to both the non-Schengen transit from and to third countries outside the Schengen area and to the transit from and to Schengen countries. 

Proof of testing, proof of recovery or proof of vaccination must be presented to carriers for review prior to the journey. Only in the event of cross-border rail transportation or cross-border short sea shipping proof may also be presented in the course of the journey. Furthermore, upon entry into Germany, proof has to be presented to German border control authorities upon their request. 

When entering from an area of virus variants of concern, a PCR test needs to be presented in any event; antigen rapid tests or proof of recovery or of vaccination are not sufficient in this case. When using a carrier (e.g. an airline) PCR tests must not be older than 48hrs at the time of (planned) departure. Furthermore, German authorities may command additional PCR tests following entry into the Federal Republic of Germany, in particular at the place of arrival (e.g. at the airport).

Further Information on Entry, Testing and Quarantine